Why scottish independence is more likely than ever - A top fiver

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5) Scotland needs a different immigration policy

​Unlike the whole of UK, Scotland has a population that is ageing and the number of working people is coming down. Scotland thus needs an influx of working age immigrants to support its growing economy, albeit, a controlled influx. Campaigners also argue it is losing out on overseas students because of the tough line on immigration from the UK government. Under independence, Scotland could adopt an immigration policy more suited to the country’s needs, including a return to the Fresh Talent initiative introduced by Labour’s Jack McConnell, allowing overseas graduates to stay on and work here for a couple of years once their studies were over.

4) North sea oil revenues

​Kind of like a controversial sweeping statement, but one could say that the Scots would be rightfully claiming what is theirs. Up until now, tax revenue from North Sea oil has gone to the UK Treasury and been used for general expenditure. The SNP says it would set up an Energy Fund, both to bring stability when oil prices fluctuate, and for ­investment to ensure future generations also benefit from oil and gas reserves.

3) a disagreement with illegal wars

Tony Blair can now be seen asking for forgiveness for the role he played in the Iraq war of which the United Kingdom was made a part of against the consent of many UK nationals. The US and UK are visibly repeating the same mistake in Syria and possibly Iran. The Scottish people are clearly against this as they do not wish to be part of such wars. The SNP says with control of its own armed forces, an independent Scotland would never become involved in “illegal” wars or invasions of other countries like Iraq. The SNP proposes to spend less money on defense, focusing on maritime capabilities, such as air and sea-based patrols, and a military totaling 15,000 regular and 5000 reserve personnel.